Minimally Invasive Heart

10/05/2026

Leading change with the team. Introducing a new surgical program is never the work of one person. Anesthesia, nursing, perfusion and every member of the team must understand the goal—and see the importance of their contribution. Change is hard, but open communication turns colleagues into advocates.

09/25/2026

“A heart is strong when every part of it works together. I think the same is true of St. Mike’s.”

A privilege to share the stage with 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗔𝗛 𝗠𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗬 at the launch of “be like mike.” Haviah, you told me we would collaborate one day—you certainly kept your word!

Strength is something we share: between a patient fighting to return to their life and a care team committed to helping them get there.

That is what gives our advances in minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery their meaning: helping patients recover and return to their lives and families.

The heart of St. Michael’s is its people—our patients, care teams, researchers, donors and community. Thank you for making it all possible. 💙

09/22/2026

Balancing our professional and personal life can help restoring perspective and remind us how healthcare looks from the patient and family side. That perspective matters when someone is facing one of the most difficult moments of their life.

08/21/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcSJxCdRdBp/?igsi=MW5ncDQ5dXk2MW81cw==

06/24/2026

A proud day for our team at St. Michael’s Hospital.

Yesterday, we successfully launched our robotically-assisted CABG program, further expanding the advanced surgical options available to our patients. This milestone represents another important step in the evolution of our minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery program and establishes the first robotically-assisted CABG program of its kind in Toronto.

Achievements like this are never the result of a single individual. My sincere gratitude goes to the entire multidisciplinary team—nursing, anesthesia, ICU, cardiology, surgical colleagues, hospital leadership, and industry partners—whose preparation, expertise, commitment, and support made this possible.

On a personal note, this experience was made even more meaningful by the presence of Dr. Rosati, who joined us to support the implementation of a novel robotic IMA harvesting technique. Many years ago, Fabrizio was one of my trainees and mentees. Seeing him become an internationally recognized expert in this field, and having him now return to support our team, was an incredible full-circle moment and a source of immense pride.

Innovation advances patient care, but mentorship ensures that knowledge, skills, and passion continue to grow across generations.

Excited for what lies ahead as we continue to push the boundaries of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.

06/24/2026

06/19/2026

Still reflecting on what was truly an unforgettable evening.

I am deeply humbled and honored by the premiere of The Rhythm of Life and by the opportunity to share a journey that spans two continents, countless relationships, and a lifelong fascination with the marvels of the human heart.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Joseph Gulizia, UniversalCare, and the sponsors for creating such an extraordinary event, and to Anthony Sarracco, Aldo Di Felice, Agatha Pezzi and TLN Media Group for bringing this story to life with authenticity, passion, and heart.

It was a true privilege to share this special evening with my dear friend Joe Vitale, whose remarkable impact on our community continues to inspire so many.

I am forever grateful to Vittoria and Aurora, who are my daily inspiration, to our families in Italy for their unwavering love and support, and to the many friends in Toronto who have become our second family over the years.

I would also like to recognize the incredible team at St. Michael’s Hospital, the hospital leadership and the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation whose dedication makes innovation possible every day.

I am equally appreciative of the support provided by Bob Sacco and CIBPA Toronto, whose friendship and commitment have helped advance our vision for minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.

Most importantly, I am touched by the incredible support shown by everyone who attended and contributed to our mission. From launching Toronto’s first minimally invasive cardiac surgery program in 2021 to becoming one of the largest programs in Canada, this journey has always been about improving the lives of patients and their families.

If there is one lesson I have learned, it is that success is never a destination—it is the privilege of walking alongside extraordinary people. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many of them.

Grateful beyond words.

06/13/2026

Today I’m incredibly grateful to share the release of this documentary, made possible through the vision and dedication of TLN Studios and Anthony Sarracco.

While it tells part of my personal journey, this is really a story about much more than one individual. It is a journey through the marvels of the human heart, the power of human connections, the privilege of helping people, and the unexpected ways medicine and music can be connected.

It is also a story that spans over two continents, linking the places, people, and experiences that have shaped my life and career.

My sincere thanks to Anthony, TLN Studios, and everyone who contributed to bringing this project to life. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Officially dropping June 14th.

Huge thanks go out to:
TLN Studios Sarracco Studios

The trailer is here. The full movie release coming next week!

https://youtu.be/o9VL7uvYLE4

03/26/2026

🎙️ Excited to share that I was recently invited on the STS podcast Same Surgeon, Different Light.

It was a real honor to join Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Cherie Erkmen for a thoughtful and engaging conversation exploring the human side of surgery—our motivations, challenges, and what shapes us beyond the operating room.

We discussed not only the evolution of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery, but also the importance of innovation, collaboration, and maintaining perspective in a field that continues to rapidly evolve. These conversations are a powerful reminder that behind every technical advancement, there is a story, a team, and a purpose.

I am truly grateful to the The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the incredible opportunity to be part of this series.

🔗 You can listen to the episode here: https://www.sts.org/podcasts/174-s6-same-surgeon-different-light-w-dr-gianluigi-bisleri